A Brilliant Adaptation
How Dissociative Identity Disorder & the Power of the Therapeutic Bond Saved Me
Coming January 2, 2026
In A Brilliant Adaptation, scheduled for release by New Harbinger Publishing in January of 2026, I share my personal journey through therapy with Dr. Dan Siegel, MD, and how it led to the diagnosis, treatment, and eventual resolution of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), a condition I developed in response to the deep attachment wounds of my childhood. My memoir explores the transformative power of the psychotherapeutic bond, the magical science of neuroplasticity in healing the traumatized mind, and our innate capacity to reconcile even the most unspeakable experiences, ultimately leading to a vibrant, joyful life. This profound experience in therapy also inspired me to earn a master’s degree in my mid-forties, which led to my current work as a psychotherapist. My story is a testament to the healing potential within us all and the importance of understanding DID in a compassionate and informed way.
About
In my mid-thirties I was diagnosed and treated for Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), a condition formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD). Now, as a psychotherapist, I have a deep awareness of how misunderstood DID is—not only by the general public but even within the mental health field. When I first received my diagnosis in the early 1990’s, it was not well known and considered rare. Fortunately, my therapist, Dr. Dan Siegel, MD, recognized DID as a natural and treatable response to unspeakable childhood events. Together we worked through this complex condition, and recently, I had the privilege of joining Dr. Siegel at his Mindsight Institute to co-teach a course, “Understanding and Treating Disorganized Attachment & Dissociation.” During the course, many asked me, “What was your experience of DID like?” and “What did Dan do that was so healing for you?” My upcoming memoir A Brilliant Adaptation aims to answer these questions. I hope it will provide insight and hope to those living with DID, therapists working with DID, and the general public, shedding light on just what DID is, but also what it is not.
Early Praise for the Book
